Ashley Graham: 'I couldn't get a designer to dress me' for the Met Gala

2017-08-09T17:25:00.000Z

Rheana Murray

TODAY

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Ashley Graham is quickly becoming one of the most well-known models on the planet, but the journey hasn't always been easy.

She recently revealed that she couldn't even find a designer who was willing to outfit her for the 2016 Met Gala, an annual affair where the biggest names in fashion and Hollywood gather to show off their red-carpet couture.

Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images

Ashley Graham attends the 2017 Met Gala on May 1.

"I couldn't get a designer to dress me," Graham, a plus-size model, told New York magazine. "You can't just show up in jeans and a T-shirt."

So Graham, who had been "on hold" for the event and not yet officially invited, stayed home. While the model didn't suggest that her size was the reason designers turned her down (she didn't have great designer relationships nor lots of time), there's a good chance it was at least a factor, the magazine pointed out. After all, Graham doesn't fit into sample sizes, and thus would have required a custom-made gown.

But this year, Graham ruled the red carpet at the Met Gala, showing up in a striking red gown from H&M. It had a white corset and long red skirt that hugged her curves, with a feathered train and shoulder.

"Rihanna said I looked 'hot as f---," Graham told New York. "I had no idea what to say to her. I was just like, 'You slay every Met, Rihanna!'"